HC takes stock of anti-NEET protests, seeks details of action taken

Chennai: Taking stock of a series of anti-NEET protests staged by students and political parties across the state, Madras high court has directed the government to file a report on the steps taken to stop such protests and on the action taken against violators.
Why not the government sensitize students and parents about legal complications and consequences in case they participate in such protests and face police action, Justice N Kirubakaran asked on Tuesday.
Wondering whether any organization is responsible for instigating students to protest against NEET, apart from political parties, the judge also wanted the state to sensitize students about the law declared by the apex court in the case of Sankalp Charitable Trust and other directions regarding NEET examination and the necessity to prepare themselves for cracking the examination.
Justice Kirubakaran further sought reports on whether frequently asked questions in NEET and other exams were given to students in an effort to make them ready for such tests and whether such literature, articles connected with NEET were circulated to students or not.
This apart, the court also directed the authorities to file reports on the total number of protests and agitations made against NEET so far, number of such protests made by political parties and whether it was conducted in a peaceful manner or not.
The report should also contain details as to the number of cases registered so far, number of protests made by students and arrest of such students, the judge added and posted the plea to September 20 for further hearing.